Have you ever considered just packing up your life and heading somewhere new? Or investing in a long-term home-on-wheels to explore different parts of New Zealand? How about having the freedom to work from anywhere?
A growing number of individuals are taking the plunge. Buying a campervan and hitting the road for a long-term adventure around New Zealand is the perfect escape. With workplaces accepting more and more to work from ‘home,’ its a great way to explore this beautiful country while working from anywhere around New Zealand!
But why is the ‘van life’ movement becoming so popular, and what are the benefits of this lifestyle? Here are our reasons why it might be time for you to buy your campervan in New Zealand and start chasing freedom.
No limits or restrictions
The aspect that probably attracts most to the idea of purchasing their own van is the freedom it attains. Aside from the liberty of breaking the chains to that nine to five office job, buying a van means you can travel wherever you want, whenever you want.
There’s no end date to your holiday, no return ticket home or cemented itinerary. You can head away on a monthly basis without the worry & hassle to preplan a holiday. It’s just you, your campervan, the open road, and the company of yourself or loved ones. Home can be wherever you park it, and there are no restraints on the road you choose. If you’re opting for a trip that will last months – or even years – on end, purchasing a van is the choice for you.
Affordability
Gone are the days where living in a van was just for unconventional hippies, and travelling was just for the elite. Today, many are choosing to cover vast ground and see what every inch of New Zealand has to offer, all in an inexpensive yet fulfilling way.
While some are busy striving to afford the next soon-to-be redundant item, others are content with exploring and learning in the world that we exist. Forget the pricey plane tickets, accommodation, and restaurants – a camper wraps up all those travel needs in a nice little frame. And the best part is whatever your budget looks like, there’s a camper van out there to meet your needs.
A van to suit your lifestyle
The flexibility of owning your own campervan means you can personalise it however you like. Think of it as buying your first home, as opposed to renting (have you seen the prices of hiring a campervan during summer…$165/day and more!). Suddenly you’re able to modify never and however you like, meaning it will feel homelier than ever, even when you are hundreds of kilometres away from the house that you left.
Just like the price of your camper, there’s a size and level of luxury to suit individual needs. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a family, there are vans of all shapes and sizes. Regardless of this, you’ll be sure to feel closer than ever to yourself or your companions when sharing your humble abode.
Free Accommodation
New Zealand is famous for its Freedom Camping policy – allowing you to park for free or less than $15/night. No longer you need to pay hundreds of dollars for accommodation – park your camper, watch the stars – all for FREE! Make sure when buying your campervan to look for a model with the Freedom Camping certificate.
Find out more about Freedom Camping and download our guide to freedom camping in New Zealand today!
Resale Value of Your Campervan
So, when your heart is full and your journey is over, some may decide it’s time to part ways with their beloved home-on-wheels. The plus side of travelling by campervan is that you can always choose to kiss goodbye to your trusty vehicle and sell it to its next loving owners. This means even greater affordability of your holiday and bang for your buck.
Campervans often hold a good resale value when kept in good nick, so it’s like you’re getting money back from your awesome expedition. So, whether you’re on a gap year, working holiday visa or live permanently in New Zealand – campervans always hold their value!!!
So are you, like many others, ready to buy your first Toyota Hiace campervan and answer to the open roads calling your name…?
Still have questions? Contact Travellers Autobarn and speak to one our reps about buying a campervan. If your not ready to buy, then check out our deals on campervan hire in New Zealand. Remember – Travellers Autobarn also offers the famous Try Before You Buy scheme – meaning you can go on a “test drive weekend” and decide afterwards if you would like to go ahead with a purchase or not…
About the Author
Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.